Take a Girl Like You

Reese Witherspoon gave her teenage daughter Ava a first-hand look at the refugee crisis in Africa by taking her to the Kakuma Camp in Kenya after wrapping harrowing new movie A Good Lie. The actress, who plays a Kansas-based employment agency counsellor trying to help three Sudanese refugees, had to get special permission to take her kid to the camp, but she is glad she made the effort because it helped Ava understand how lucky she is not to live in a war zone.
Witherspoon tells WENN, "At the end of the film we got to go to the Kakuma Refugee Camp. Even though I didn't shoot any scenes there I wasn't ready to go home to my life. I really wanted to see what the experience was like, so I took my teenage daughter.
"She's a wonderful, socially-conscious girl. I was lucky they organised for her to be there because she is a little young to be on these trips. She didn't say a word the whole day and didn't talk about it until a couple of days later. It stayed with us for a long time after.
"I think the memories we saw of women giving birth on metal tables, babies her brother's age sitting on concrete slabs and sleeping with seven other brothers and sisters. It was very emotional seeing 250,000 displaced people sleeping on concrete slabs and the sprawl of 12 different languages being spoken and seven kinds of religions with very little healthcare and very little food.
"What was really amazing was the joy of these people to rise above and their determination to have a better life for their children. Their spirit was just incredible. They'd greet you with smiles and laughter and hugs. It just really brought it home to me that this is an opportunity to raise awareness but it's also an opportunity to create change. These are people who were at the top of their field; they're doctors, they're educators, they're community leaders and they've been displaced.
"It's been really educational for me to learn about refugees and their contributions to society and hopefully we can lift more of them up out of their situations."

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Emma Watson is a beautiful, feminist powerhouse. Her days of playing Hermione Granger are long over. Okay, not really that long, since no one is letting go of Harry Potter any time soon. But Emma is an adult now and she’s a very mature, sophisticated one. She’s been classy since she was a child, but as she has grown, she’s gotten more poised and her voice has gotten stronger. She is reaching more people these days with her intelligent, well-thought out beliefs. She is an absolute inspiration, and not just for the women she is advocating, but for men as well, because she is helping bring to light the gap in gender equality, and she’s doing it so beautifully.
To prove she is such a smart, powerful young woman, here are 20 quotes that you should model your life after, because Emma has got it right.
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1. “I was appointed six months ago and the more I have spoken about feminism the more I have realized that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop.”
2. “I want to be the person who feels great in her body and can say that she loves it and doesn’t want to change anything.”
3. “I’ve probably earned the right to screw up a few times. I don’t want the fear of failure to stop me from doing what I really care about.”
4. “I’m a feminist, but I think that romance has been taken away a bit for my generation. I think what people connect with in novels is this idea of an overpowering, encompassing love — and it being more important and special than anything and everything else.”
5. “I don’t want other people to decide who I am. I want to decide that for myself.”
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6. “The saddest thing for a girl to do is to dumb herself down for a guy.”
7. "I truly truly believe that beauty comes from within."
8. “Don’t feel stupid if you don’t like what everyone else pretends to love."
9. "I think women are scared of feeling powerful and strong and brave sometimes."
10. “I think the actresses who are really successful are comfortable in their own skins and still look human.”
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11. “I feel like young girls are told that they have to be a princess and fragile. It’s bullshit. I identify much more with being a warrior – a fighter.”
12. “It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.”
13. “How can we effect change in the world when only half of it is invited or feel welcome to participate in the conversation?”
14. “As much as someone can tell you things, you have to go out there and make your own mistakes in order to learn.”
15. "Becoming yourself is really hard and confusing, and it's a process. It's often not cool to be the person who puts themselves out there."
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16. "There's nothing wrong with being afraid. It's not the absence of fear, it's overcoming it. Sometimes you've got to blast through and have faith."
17. "Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue, too."
18. “The less you reveal, the more people can wonder.”
19. “When at 15, my girlfriends started dropping out of their beloved sports teams, because they didn’t want to appear muscle-y, when at 18, my males friends were unable to express their feelings, I decided that I was a feminist.”
20. “We really damage our own confidence when we put ourselves down, so I try not to.”
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Also, don’t forget, she’s cool…and dangerous:
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The Pretenders star Chrissie Hynde has blasted young singers for selling sex ahead of music, calling them "porn stars trying to make records". The outspoken Brass in Pocket hitmaker fears there are too many scantily-clad pop stars and rockers filming videos with next to nothing on.
She says, "There's a definite division of what I'd call porn stars trying to make records, and then musicians. If you go and see Kate Bush, you'll see a real musician. She takes care of business the way she wants. If a girl walks on stage and starts playing like Jimi Hendrix, believe me, no one will be asking her to take her clothes off.
"If anyone says, 'I have to do this because my record company told me', that's a lie. The artist is in control of what they're doing. You can always tell anyone to f**k off. If they're under pressure to get their kit off (get naked), maybe they should just be making porn films. Maybe they're in the wrong game."
Hynde isn't singling out anyone for criticism, but her remarks come just days after actress Mayim Bialik took aim at Adriana Grande for wearing "lingerie" to promote her new album. Sinead O'Connor also attacked Miley Cyrus after watching the pop star's Wrecking Ball video, in which the former Disney regular swings about on a huge metal ball, wearing only boots.

Last night we attended an event for The Maze Runner at 92nd Street Y and our ears are still ringing. The turnout for the event was amazing, which leads us to believe that this film is about two seconds away from taking off and casting these actors into stardom (farther than some of them already are). 92Y got a great collection of the cast, along with author James Dashner, in the house last night for a panel discussion, screenings of exclusive clips, a Q&amp;A, and even a fan meet and greet afterwards!
1. The film already has a huge following.
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Like we said, there was an awesome turnout last night! The house was absolutely packed at 7:30 when the event started. The place was teeming with fans, who were beyond excited to see the exclusive clips and hear what the cast and author had to say.
2. In that following, there are a lot of screaming, happy (crying) teenage fans.
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Last night, you couldn’t even hear Matt Patches (the panel moderator) announcing some of the cast members (poor Alex Flores) when Dylan O’Brien, Thomas Brodie Sangster, and Jacob Latimore were brought on stage. People were screaming so loud, it was a little frightening for us. We can’t imagine how the actors felt!
3. The Cast is already like family.
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And it’s not in the corny way some actors try to say “we really bonded while filming this movie and everyone’s best friends now!” You could tell, just from watching them together on stage, that they work as a unit. Everyone gets along and laughs together. They were even finishing each other’s thoughts on stage.
4. There is room for growth for all of the characters.
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Usually fans aren’t particularly fond of changing characters appearances, personalities, or importance in a film, but TMR gets it right. Jacob Latimore’s character, Jeff, is a much smaller part in the books, but director Wes Ball expanded on this character, which allowed for Latimore to integrate himself into the group and really develop his sense of who his character was, and why Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) entering the maze was important. We also see a great deal of change in the way the character Gally (Will Poulter) is portrayed.
5. James Dashner is super cool with changing things.
Cyndi Cappello/Hollywood.com
As a writer, Dashner said he knows that taking a book directly from the page and turning it into a movie just doesn’t work. You can’t argue the book’s creator on that.
6. Every change that was made, was a very thought out and deliberate process to make this film an incredible experience for fans.
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Wes would call or email Dashner over every change he was making, it didn’t matter how big a change it was. Wes had this entire world in which the glade and the maze existed, but he wanted to make sure that it matched up with what the fans were expecting
7. The director has all of the book fans in mind.
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Every change that was made, was made with fans in mind. Which we think is what will really make this film appealing to not only just the fans of the books, but audiences interested in this dystopian future genre that is bursting onto the scene. People love when their opinions are taken into consideration and they feed off of what they’re given. If Wes continues down this road with the potential sequel, we’re sure this series will reach a huge magnitude of people.
8. It’s an amazing cast.
Cyndi Cappello/Hollywood.com
This really is a great group of young, talented actors put together. Will Poulter (who we missed very much last night) as Gally is mind-blowing, because you’ve never seen a side of Will so fierce and aggressive before. Kaya Scodelario is the only female (Theresa) in this film, but refused to play it like that, because her cast mates never made her feel like a girl, and she wasn’t going to take that crap from any of the gladers. Chris Sheffeild’s banishment scene as Ben is enough to really make you take him seriously as an actor, because it’s intense and makes you feel a whole range of emotions.
9.The series has a really strong, talented lead actor.
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Dylan O’Brien really wow’d us in this role. He’s brought Thomas, this very intelligent and inquisitive character, to life in ways we could have only dreamed of. As an actor, he’s quite clearly taken on the leadership role amongst his cast mates, that his character Thomas has done in the glade. This is a role completely outside of his other work, very unlike his character Stiles on Teen Wolf. We think he knocked it right out of the park
10. The sequel might already be in the works!
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Rumors have been flying that 20th Century Fox was already putting the sequel, The Scorch Trials (we're unsure if it will be the same name for the film) into motion. James Dashner was asked what some of his future plans were, and while he mentioned his upcoming books, when asked about any future things related to The Maze Runner, he replied “No comment,” with the biggest smile ever. You know that’s always a good sign.

As America's Next Top Model's 21st cycle unfolds, we've decided to take a look at previous seasons to see how often Tyra and her ever-changing panel of judges choose the right model. As anyone who has watched the show throughout the years (and the marathons every time they're on TV) knows, the model you spend all season rooting for rarely wins, no matter how much she deserves to.
Cycle 1
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Who Won: Adrianne Curry
Should Have Won: Adrianne Curry
If only Tyra's first season were a sign of things to come. She picked it right. Adrianne had that special blend of being cool, a good model, and reality TV perfection (which is essential for a first season). She went on to become a "star" on Vh1's CelebReality, and we continued to grow up watching the ups and downs of her relationship with a Brady. That sort of contribution to our adolescence is invaluable.
Cycle 2
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Who Won: Yoanna House
Should Have Won: Mercedes Scelba-Shorte
Mercedes was perfect! She was such a great model, she had the cutest personality, and she was owning the competition while suffering with Lupus. Her final photo and her Billie Holiday photo are some of our favorite in ANTM history.
Cycle 3
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Who Won: Eva Pigford
Should Have Won: Toccara Jones, Yaya DaCosta
Eva was okay, but we loved Toccara. She left too soon, and we began to root for Eva. Looking back on this cycle now though, it's hard not to feel like Yaya is sort of like ANTM's Jennifer Hudson -- she lost, but has the best career possibly out of any of the girls.
Cycle 4
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Who Won: Naima Mora
Should Have Won: Kahlen Rondot
This is a no brainer. Kahlen was perfect. Naima was a good model, okay, sure. But she was quiet and enigmatic. Kahlen was shy, but adorable and relatable. And, if we're being frank, a far superior model.
Cycle 5
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Who Won: Nicole Linklater
Should Have Won: Bre Scullark (or Nik Pace)
We loved Bre. We still love Bre. She will always be one of our favorites. We rooted for Nik after Bre was eliminated, but Tyra didn't seem to care and picked the annoying and whiny Nicole.
Cycle 6
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Who Won: Danielle (Dani) Evans
Should Have Won: Joanie Dodds
This makes us uncomfortable to say, because we really like both girls here. This was one of the rare instances where we would have been happy regardless of who won. For some reason, we always remember this as the cycle that Joanie won though. Clearly she left the stronger impression (although we'll never forget Dani's photo on top of the elephant, while she was sick).
Cycle 7
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Who Won: CariDee English
Should Have Won: CariDee English
We felt really bad when Melrose lost because she was consistently good. She tried so hard to be perfect. Sure, she wasn't the most likable, but she was undeniably a good model. But CariDee had the whole package. She was likable and could model. We would have been happy if one of the twins won too though (just saying...).
Cycle 8
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Who Won: Jaslene Gonzalez
Should Have Won: Renee Alway
We were rooting for Renee from the very beginning. When she came in third place, we obviously started supporting Jaslene just to prevent the bizarre Natasha from winning. Deep down though, we still feel wronged by Renee's elimination.
Cycle 9
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Who Won: Saleisha Stowers
Should Have Won: Jenah Doucette
We never liked Saleisha. She kind of looked like Rihanna if Rihanna were on Disney. We were never into it. Chantal similarly had sanitized feel to her. Jenah shined as the only normal, likable girl in the cycle. She was a great model too!
Cycle 10
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Who Won: Whitney Thompson
Should Have Won: Anya Kop
This is one that outrages us still. Whitney was unlikable and even the judges thought so for most of the season. She just happened to get farther than any other plus-sized model, so they let her win. Everybody knows that Anya ran that cycle as if she were already a professional. Her photo shoot with Nigel? Her Sprite campaign? And don't even get us started on the injustice of eliminating Tiffani Thiessen-lookalike Katarzyna. How did they pick Whitney?
Cycle 11
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Who Won: McKey Sullivan
Should Have Won: McKey Sullivan
Girl was flawless. She was tall, stunning, poised, and had a lovely personality. Honorable mention to Analeigh Tipton though for doing her thing and having a great career.
Cycle 12
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Who Won: Teyona Anderson
Should Have Won: Allison Harvard
Allison. Our favorite contestant in the history of ANTM. This one hurts. We're not quite ready to talk about it.
Cycle 13
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Who Won: Nicole Fox
Should Have Won: Nicole Fox
We loved Nicole and we loved runner-up Laura Kirkpatrick. Tyra didn't have the chance to mess this cycle up.
Cycle 14
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Who Won: Krista White
Should Have Won: Raina Hein
Raina has been working more than anyone else from this cycle -- we've been seeing her pop up on commercials, and a working model is a successful one. Overall, we didn't really like this cycle.
Cycle 15
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Who Won: Ann Ward
Should Have Won: Kayla Ferrel
First of all, Ann's runway walk was not good. Chelsey and Jane were both good models, but there was something about Kayla that we were consistently drawn to. She somehow looked like a classic beauty, yet edgy and modern. She was fieeeeerce.
Cycle 16
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Who Won: Brittani Kline
Should Have Won: Hannah Jones
Were we the only ones who didn't hate Alexandria? We would have been happy if she won, but instead we were left with Brittani. She was a fine model, but on a personal level, we just stopped liking her after that meltdown in panel. Hannah also reminded us a lot of Analeigh from cycle 12, so we had a soft spot for her.
Cycle 17
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Who Won: Lisa D'Amato
Should Have Won: Allison Harvard
TWICE? REALLY? Allison, who broke our hearts when she was runner-up in cycle 12, admits that it sucks to be runner-up twice. She should have won. Twice. She's the best. We'll never be ready to talk about this.
Cycle 18
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Who Won: Sophie Sumner
Should Have Won: ...Annaliese Dayes? ...Laura LaFrate? Maybe Sophie?
This is one of those cycles that had three great girls at the end. At one point or another, we rooted for all of them to win. We're happy Sophie won because she was a cutie, but we loved Annaliese way more throughout the competition. She was like a Spice Girl and a model all in one.
Cycle 19
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Who Won: Laura James
Should Have Won: Leila Goldkuhl
Laura is a fantastic model -- let's just get that out of the way up front. Leila was eliminated, because Tyra rarely makes good decisions, and brought back by the fans who loved her. Clearly she was a fan-favorite and she should have won. Leila was definitely better than runner-up Kiara.
Cycle 20
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Who Won: Jourdan Miller
Should Have Won: Renee Bhagwandeen
Our friend texted within the first episode of ANTM 2.0 saying she couldn't stand the girl who was married and divorced at 18. And she never really made us like her more. On the other hand, from the moment Renee was shown in the casting episode, she had our vote. We were gung-ho from the get-go. Sure, Cory and Marvin were fantastic, but personally we're still rooting for the girls.
Will Tyra make the right choice in Cycle 21?

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Today is a very sad day in the comedy world. We lost one of the greats. Joan Rivers has been the pioneer in "speaking your mind" since she started her career 50+ years ago. Because of her stark humor and quick wit, she has been a controversial comedienne over the years, but her talent cannot be questioned. Twitter users, us normal folks and big name celebrities, all used the social media site to mourn the loss of the wonderful woman.
People still reeling from Robin Williams passing commented:
Losing Joan Rivers and Robin WIlliams? That is a cruel sense of humor.
— Amy Vansant (@AmyVansant) September 4, 2014
The King and Queen of comedy, may they both rest well. #joanrivers #robinwilliams pic.twitter.com/UZj0GWVXIt
— Girl Code! (@itsGirICode) September 4, 2014
We've lost Robin Williams and Joan Rivers in the space of a month. I just don't know what to say. #RIPJOANRIVERS
— Rebekka-Mary Darling (@RebekkaMary) September 4, 2014
YouTube posted in her honor:
Remembering the life and laughter of comedian extraordinaire, Joan Rivers. http://t.co/XneKX0rYgV
— YouTube (@YouTube) September 4, 2014
People wished she rest happily:
Rest in paradise, Joan Rivers.
— Breanna Sayegh (@Breanna_Natalia) September 4, 2014
People recognized the path she paved for women:
You can't be a self-proclaimed feminist and not appreciate what Joan Rivers did for your whiny asses. You wouldn't be here without her.
— Money Moochelle (@MsMoochelle) September 4, 2014
but srsly Joan Rivers is very influential to me and made me dream of being in entertainment news as a youngin. RIP
— T (@t_gyenz_) September 4, 2014
Others plan to remember her dedication:
Joan Rivers was 81 years old and still hardworking. That's amazing dedication.
— Shades of Rihanna (@iDreamRihanna) September 4, 2014
People loved her for her honesty, even if it was brutal:
RIP, Joan Rivers! You told it like it was and for that, you will forever live on in our hearts as a true New Yorker.
— Village Voice Street (@VoiceStreet) September 4, 2014
"I succeeded by saying what everyone else is thinking." - Joan Rivers. RIP #women #comedy #trailblazers
— Elizabeth Karr (@elizabethkarr) September 4, 2014
why don't people understand that joan rivers was a comedian and never actually meant the things she said lol it was her job #RIPJoanRivers
— hannah (@imforbieber) September 4, 2014
Comedy just lost a very funny, pretty lady. @Joan_Rivers, you made it cool not to take yourself too seriously. Thank you! Rest peacefully.
— Leigh-Allyn Baker (@L_A_Baker) September 4, 2014
People hoped she left the world how she entered it:
Joan Rivers was truly a good soul. I've never seen a room light up with laughter the way it did when she entered it. You will be missed. RIP
— Chase Chrisley (@ChrisleyChase) September 4, 2014
Celebrities chimed in to remember Joan:
“We don’t apologize for a joke. We are comics. We are here to make you laugh. If you don’t get it, then don’t watch us.” - Joan Rivers
— Perez Hilton (@PerezHilton) September 4, 2014
A legend, a friend, a mentor, an icon, and wildly funny. One of a kind. RIP #JoanRivers @joan_rivers pic.twitter.com/jnAC5G4AQo
— Kathy Griffin (@kathygriffin) September 4, 2014
My friend Joan Rivers has passed away once again to quote Billy Crystal... There are no words. Bon Voyage Joan
— Whoopi Goldberg (@WhoopiGoldberg) September 4, 2014
My heart is torn in half. She wasn't done. #Joan http://t.co/XH87wAT4Mb
— Sarah Silverman (@SarahKSilverman) September 4, 2014
Joan Rivers will always be a pioneer. She paved the way for a lot of comedians. I’m very sad she’s gone. pic.twitter.com/i1uE9fyHMh
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) September 4, 2014
we lost a great one in @Joan_Rivers - she was funny all the way to the end
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) September 4, 2014
RIP the mighty Joan Rivers. Funny &amp; fearless. Truly one of a kind.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) September 4, 2014
RIP Joan Rivers. A force of nature.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) September 4, 2014
RIP Joan Rivers... You made fun of my boobies just last week and it was an HONOR. Thanks for making so many people laugh here on Earth.
— Demi Lovato (@ddlovato) September 4, 2014
Thanks for the laughs @Joan_Rivers ! The last woman to bed me!
— Lance Bass (@LanceBass) September 4, 2014
Love Her or Hate Her, we're gonna Miss JOAN RIVERS! I always Respected her go for broke humor. One of a kind.R.I.P.
— Samuel L. Jackson (@SamuelLJackson) September 4, 2014
But most importantly, people remembered her for her talent and honored her:
"When my water broke, my dog drowned!" - Joan Rivers. RIP, you truly were one of the funniest people ever.
— Brian Bonds (@brianbonds) September 4, 2014
"I enjoy life when things are happening. It doesn't matter if it's good things or bad things. That means you're alive." - Joan Rivers
— kristen johnston (@kjothesmartass) September 4, 2014
"Never be afraid to laugh at yourself, after all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century." — Joan Rivers
— Robyn (@robza160) September 4, 2014
What are your thoughts on this comedienne's passing? Tweets us your thoughts and well wishes with the hashtag #RIPJoanRivers.
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MTV
Once a year, we're treated to a cultural event unlike any other: the MTV Video Music Awards. Some of the moments from ceremonies past will live forever in our mind, from Chris Rock joking about Jennifer Lopez and her derrière's need for more than one limousine to Diana Ross jiggling Lil Kim's exposed breast. The show knows how to provoke controversy, and has thus remained a lightning rod for pop culture discussion since it began in 1984. This list isn't about the most controversial moments in the award show's history, but the most mesmerizing live performances it gave us (some of which, yes, surely did drum up some controversy).
1. Madonna - "Like A Virgin" 1984
Possibly one of the most iconic performances ever, period. Madonna's signature wedding dress and 'boy toy' belt are still synonymous with 80s pop culture, and it's all thanks to this performance. She rolls around on the floor quite suggestively, setting the tone for what we've come to expect from both the Queen of Pop and the VMAs.
2. Madonna - "Vogue" 1990
Madonna returned to the stage in 1990, decked out in Marie Antoinette-inspired clothing, and delivered this perfectly choreographed rendition of her classic "Vogue." Though completely covered as an 18th century aristocrat, Madge still managed to sexualize the performance by shoving faces into her bosom and lifting up her skirt to allow her backup dancers a peak beneath.
3. Madonna, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliott - "Like A Virgin/Hollywood Medley" 2003
Now that's how you open an award show. Or is it? The downside of this majesty: it ended up being all anyone could talk about... for ten years. I don't think anything in VMAs history earned this must discussion until the dawn of Miley. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, at the time the two biggest pop stars around, having been so clearly influenced by Madonna, took to the stage to pay homage to her 1984 VMA performance only to be joined by the Queen herself. As everyone knows, eventually the Material Girl smooched both Spears and Aguilera (though for some reason, we mostly just focus on Britney Spears) before Missy Elliott came in and got everyone dancing away the shock.
4. Beyoncé - "Love On Top" 2011
NO. SHE. DIDN'T. This was a moment I'll never forget. Beyoncé came out, annihilated the song (which is an incredible feat in and of itself, spanning six key changes in one number), but then dropped the microphone and grabbed her budding baby bump to announce her pregnancy to the world. This performance still gives me chills, and when I think about it, I can't help but want to jump up and down like Kanye does at the end. It's just perfect.
5. Miley Cyrus &amp; Robin Thicke (feat. 2 Chainz &amp; Kendrick Lamar) - "We Can't Stop/Blurred Lines/Give It 2 U" 2013
The performance that everyone knows about... so much so that my grandfather just called me to ask how he can clear "Miley Cyrus twerk" from his YouTube history. In combination with her video for "Wrecking Ball," this performance made sure everyone would be talking about Miley Cyrus for months to come. It provoked discussions about sexuality, racial appropriation, and age differences. Not to mention, it helped destroy a marriage (thus leaving us to deal with a groveling Robin Thicke).
6. Diddy, Sting, Faith Evans, 112 - "I'll Be Missing You" 1997
A tribute to The Notorious B.I.G., this is an undeniably beautiful and meangingful song. Sting coming on stage to perform the sample of "Every Breath You Take" shows more than just artists collaborating to make wonderful music, but it demonstrates the music community coming together in remembrance of loved ones.
7. Beyoncé - "Ring the Alarm" 2006
Beyoncé is a goddess. We know. Beyoncé can do no wrong. We know. At the time of this performance though, Queen Bey was just beginning to prove just how much of a force to be reckoned with she was. I distinctly remember not being familiar with this song as she descended to the stage, but this performance sold me on it. The highlight isn't the amazing trench coat she twirls around in during the beginning of performance, but that unexpected hydraulicks-inspired dance routine that she does in the middle. Girl just slayed and slaaaayed.
8. Chris Brown &amp; Rihanna - "Wall to Wall"/"Umbrella"/"Billie Jean"/"Kiss Kiss" Medley 2007
Let's go back to a time when saying "Chris Brown" and "Rihanna" in the same sentence didn't immediately present a problem and focus on this gem of a performance from 2007. The two were rising stars with some of the biggest songs of the year, joining forces on stage for a magical moment. Say what you will about Chris Brown, but he's the best dancer we've had around since Michael Jackson. As he table-top dances and leaps from table to table, even eventually paying tribute to MJ, we were reminded of just how good he is.
9. Lady Gaga - "Paparazzi" 2009
Ladies and gentleman, Lady Gaga has arrived. She gave the sort of performance we've come to expect from her: theatrical, filled with musical ability, bizarre, and shocking. Mostly in the way it ended, with Mother Monster hanging on stage and bleeding to "death." Um... this was truly a shocking moment, even for her.
10. Britney Spears - "I'm a Slave 4 U" 2001
What made this one memorable? For one thing, she beings the performance in a cage with a tiger. That's just the start. Then she gives us the sort of magnificent dance routine that we love so much we're willing to worship whatever she does now just in memory of a performance like this. Just as you're thinking it won't get any better, the python comes out and Britney shimmies around the stage with the albino snake around her shoulders. (Can you believe there is an entire generation of people who were only able to witness Britney performances like "Gimme More?" I shudder to think).
11. Britney Spears - "Satisfaction/Oops! I Did It Again" 2000
This performance is perfect (and by that, we mean that it's flawed in a variety of ways, but if you're looking for real singing or anything substantial, watch the Grammys and hope for the best). Watching it now, knowing that she's going to rip off that suit and hat and give us one of the best choreographed hair tosses ever recorded, we can't help but get excited. The nude body suit and that booty grab at the 2:00 mark really cemented her place as a sex icon (as if the subtle schoolgirl costume and red latex catsuit hadn't already).
12. Hole - "Violet" 1995
Courtney Love is nothing if not raw. She dedicated this performance to a slew of deceased musicians and loved ones, including husband Kurt Cobain and bandmate Kristen Pfaff, and proceeded to rock out in typical Courtney style and tried to destroy everything on the stage. This, of course, happened before she threw the contents of her purse at Madonna and struck up a conversation in the middle of an interview.
13. Eminem - "The Real Slim Shady" / "The Way I Am" 2000
Eminem made a statement in 2000 by proving that he was the real Slim Shady, marching through Radio City Music Hall with a sea of imitators. More impressively is how many times he grabs his crotch. You'd think he was in genuine fear of being assaulted or something.
14. Kid Rock (feat. Run-DMC, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Joe C.) - "King of Rock"/"Rock Box"/"Bawitdaba"/"Walk This Way" 1999
What's not to like about this performance? As much as I wish I didn't like Kid Rock, I have to give him his props. This performance was stellar, and is probably one of the only performances on this list that my brother enjoyed watching too (just kidding, we mentioned Britney Spears stripping into a nude bodysuit, right?).
15. Michael Jackson - Medley 1995
At a whopping fifteen minutes long, this performance is more of a Michael Jackson concert than a VMA performance. However, it's definitely one of the better ways to spend fifteen minutes, as this performance is jam-packed with everything you'd expect from a Michael Jackson performance. He is the King of Pop, after all.

Pierce Brosnan signed up for new spy thriller The November Man in a bid to conclude his journey as James Bond. The actor's run as 007 came to an abrupt end after four films when he was suddenly replaced by Daniel Craig, and he admits he never got the chance to get the franchise or the spy film genre out of his system.
So when producer pal Beau St. Clair presented him with the new film, Brosnan jumped on board, hoping it would help him exorcise Bond once and for all.
He tells WENN, "After my four outings as James Bond there seemed to be unfinished business in the way that the Bond films finished in my life and the demise of Bond going offstage left into the night; it seemed like there was a certain void there... The Bond was so big and mighty in my career.
"I wouldn't be in the company of you all, talking about The November Man if it hadn't been for James Bond. There was a desire, need and want to make this film. I love the title. It has a sensuality and a mystique to it. It has a complexity of character and a punch and a grit to it, which gave me the opportunity to really take the gloves off and be hard as nails and be ambivalent in my moral values as a character. There was a complexity there that was seductive and enticing."
Ironically, the new film also features actress Olga Kurylenko, who was a Bond girl opposite Craig in Quantum of Solace.
She says, "It feels like I've done two Bond films! It was wonderful working with Pierce; it was a gift. It was great with tons of action and we both already have certain skills so we were prepared with all our past and all the Bond movies."
Brosnan adds, "There was a similarity in the role because Olga had been with Daniel in the Bond movie. But it was Olga's work and her talent and beauty and vulnerability that just made sense."
And the film's stunt co-ordinator was Mark Mottram, who was Brosnan's James Bond stunt double.
The actor jokes, "He and I saved the world a couple of times."

Tragic actor Robin Williams helped to make a New Zealand-based cancer patient's dreams come true by recording a video message for the dying woman shortly before his death. Friends of Vivian Waller, who is suffering from lung, bowel and liver cancer, reached out to the Good Will Hunting star after she made it clear she would like to meet the funnyman as one of her 'bucket list' desires, and shortly after learning about his sick fan, Williams sent her an viral video.
In the footage he said, "Hi Vivian, it's Robin Williams here saying, 'Hey girl, what's going on down there in New Zealand?' I'm sending all my love to you... Knock this off your bucket list. Much love to you, baby."
Waller was moved to a hospice care facility on the same day Williams passed away last week (begs11Aug14), but the young woman's husband has not yet discussed the actor's death with his wife.
He tells the Sunday Star Times, "Viv struggles with a lack of energy and it is quite difficult for her to concentrate. We are just enjoying the time we have together. We take things a day at a time.
"(We released the video because) we love him. We want to show people how awesome a person he was."

Singer/actress Taylor Swift channelled her feelings from a "traumatic" childhood arts and crafts session to play a nerd in a comedy sketch on America's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The I Knew You Were Trouble hitmaker reveals she loved making castles out of Popsicle sticks when she was a kid, but one arts and crafts session with hot glue went awry, leaving her bloodied and in pain, and she now has a scar on her right thigh as a daily reminder of the bad experience.
She drew on her arts obsession during her U.S. TV appearance on Wednesday (13Aug14), when she portrayed a geeky character named Natalie to take part in Fallon's popular skit Ew!, in which the talk show host dresses up as a teenage girl, named Sara.
Discussing the sketch, in which Swift donned fake braces and oversized reading glasses, she explained, "The whole, 'I'm Natalie, I like to create Popsicle stick castles by myself sometimes' - that's actually a story from my own childhood.
"I have this scar on my leg and it's a very prominent scar that I've had ever since I was about 10 or 11 and everybody always asks me about it... I end up telling them. And at first I would tell people it's a normal thing, when I was 10 I would sit up in my attic and make castles out of Popsicle sticks and use a super industrial-strength hot glue gun 'cause I was really serious about it.
"So one day I was really aggressively creating a slide... and I was just like, glue, glue, glue, glue, glue, glue, glue, and then suddenly I was gluing off the table and a blob of just, like, hot glue, was just there (on my thigh). Your first instinct is just to go, 'Oh, I'll pull that off', and then you pull off 17 layers of skin with it... Ew! So that's how I came up with Natalie, it was a traumatic childhood story."
And Swift admitted she had been waiting for the opportunity to bring Natalie to life for some time: "I don't know why I got so into this but I love the Ew! sketch... So I started thinking, 'What would I ever do if I ever got to do that?'"
Fallon has previously recruited show guests including Zac Effron, Channing Tatum and Seth Rogen to don drag for the segment, while Lindsay Lohan and U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama have also appeared in the skit.

Synopsis

Set in 1959, the story focuses on virginal Jenny, who dreams of marriage and children, and Patrick, the local rake who woos her. The competition for Jenny's attention includes her lecherous landlord Dick, socially inept Graham and rich, randy Julian.

Pretty school teacher Jenny Bunn arrives in a small town near London and immediately catches the eye of Patrick Standish, Latin teacher at a posh private school. He vows to seduce her and moves quickly to head off competition. Jenny is intrigued, but wants marriage, not a fling. Meanwhile, three of Patrick's pals are also interested in Jenny, each with a different amorous approach -- from crude (landlord Dick Thompson) to inept (teacher Graham McClintoch) to silky smooth (millionaire Julian Ormerod). All have a go while Jenny remains steadfast in her virginity. Beginning to feel the unfamiliar pangs of true love, Patrick looks for distraction in a night of debauchery in London organized by Julian.

Trying intimidation, Patrick gives Jenny an ultimatum -- make love or make tracks. Jenny seems to acquiesce, but then gets cold feet. Patrick has an unexpected tryst with his boss's teenage daughter instead. Thoroughly disgusted with himself, he shows up drunk at Julian's swank party. Jenny shows up and soon gets drunk herself. In a state of mutual inebriation, their relationship takes a new turn.